The meeting, promoted by the China Foundation Cátedra China and the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, brought together mayors from both nations to discuss international cooperation.
Emilio Torres spoke at the roundtable titled “Culture in the service of friendship between peoples”. He shared the panel with representatives from Xixona, Jiayuguan (Gansu), Huangshan (Anhui), Mula (Murcia), Fengdu County (Chongqing), Gijón (Asturias), Pingyao County (Jinzhong of Shanxi), and Calatayud (Zaragoza).
During his speech, the mayor of Martos highlighted the strong commercial ties between Spain and China, emphasizing that this relationship transcends economics to delve into mutual admiration between cultures. "We must build bridges between both countries to strengthen ties," he stated, advocating for an approach that promotes mutual understanding through cultural activities, institutional visits, and exchange projects.
The agenda, held between August 25 and September 1, included meetings with companies and institutions, as well as visits to points of interest such as the Tianning No. 1 Zero Carbon Smart Industrial Park, the Industrial and Scientific-Technological Innovation Exhibition, and the WANHUA Chemical Group Global Research and Development Center. Roundtables on various topics, including the Environment, were also held.
Torres described the experience as "very fruitful", noting that it served to "nourish ourselves and nourish our ways of addressing current affairs and how we face current challenges". He underscored the "more than positive" assessment due to the learning acquired and, especially, for the promotion of Martos and the dissemination of the transformations the city is undergoing.
The Spanish delegation, composed of representatives from over 40 cities, was led by Gerardo Pisarello Prados, first secretary of the Congress of Deputies.
